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It is the most important game in the joint careers of Joana Heidrich and Anouk Vergé-Dépré. The final of the European Championship. This is the gold medal that a Swiss women’s duo has only won once in the history of the European Championship: Simone Kuhn and Nicole Schnyder-Benoit in 2004.
This starting position and the fact that Heidrich and Vergé-Dépré are the clear favorites against the Germans Kim Behrens and Cinja Tillmann in this final duel, perhaps explain their tension. In contrast to the practically perfect semi-final match, Swiss women make unusual mistakes, especially on serve in the early stages. Because he works perfectly with the numbers 10 on the seeded list, “JoAnouk” comes under pressure and lags behind after 5: 5. They can’t get rid of him and Behrens / Tillmann use the second set ball to do 21:18.
The check-off does not work immediately for the Swiss women, after a 3-0 deficit in the second set they are already taking a time out. The Germans take advantage of this bear market and quickly lead 7: 3. But then “JoAnouk” really got back into the game. Once it wasn’t their strength, but they advanced as a team.
Pure tension in the tie-break
After the 8: 8 EQ the tide turns and a timeout does not bring the beat back to Behrens / Tillmann. A block at the right time, long rallies to be won: Swiss women are gradually regaining their self-confidence. Coordination improves, even with difficult serve because very accurate from opponents. The comfortable ride at 5:11 pm also builds confidence and courage. With a clear 21:14 they deserve the tiebreak.
That becomes a thriller! After falling behind and a timeout, there are locks to the important spots at the 8: 8 equalization and the 10: 9 lead that keep the Swiss in the game. And in the close final phase they show strong nervousness because they do not take advantage of the first or the second match point. In the middle, “JoAnouk” also defends himself against a German match ball.
The third match ball for Swiss women is gold: the experienced and strong Kim Behrens hits the ball. Tears of disappointment with her, tears of joy for Heidrich and Vergé-Dépré, who can hardly believe their historic triumph. “It’s crazy and I never expected it to be like this,” says Heidrich with the trophy in hand. The exhibition tournaments of the last few weeks have given them the pace they need. His goal was a podium and he became the highest. “I’m very proud of the whole team,” says Heidrich, before the emotions get over it again.
